Kristien van Elteren
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Hustle Amsterdam (HA): Where are you from? And what brings you to Amsterdam?
Kristien van Elteren (KE): Originally from the South of The Netherlands, Breda, however after so many years of doing international business, I’m feeling like a citizen of the world.
I started at a young age with my journey of entrepreneurship, moved from The Netherlands to build my first international company in the United States, which has been taken over and flourishing under another umbrella
At the same moment came a marina on my path, which I took over and I’m currently the owner of Jachthaven Vinkeveen, located in Amsterdam South.
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HA: Tell me about your business? What is your mission?
KE: I’m a Serial Entrepreneur and venture capitalist, a business builder, and a strategic innovator. Owner and Chairman of The Go Beyond Group (TGBG), which is an independent boutique investment Group. TGBG includes marina Jachthaven Vinkeveen, a portfolio of rentals for temporary stay in Amsterdam Short Stay Houses, and is into acquisitions.
My passion is building businesses where strategic innovation is applied to bring a value fit between the business and the customer. I believe there are so many opportunities as long as you look from different perspectives.
HA: How has the shift to remote work affected you and your business?
KE: The pandemic has made business challenging for all of us, of course also for my business.
So I decided to launch a giving back project Go Beyond™, to bring value between networks and beyond to make easy business connections possible via Kristien’s Super Network. Become a Network Traveller and mingle every time with a different Business community with the goal to Skyrocket your Business Contacts.
HA: Why Go Beyond by Kristien van Elteren? What brought you to entrepreneurship?
KE: It started because people in my network were asking me if I could help with introductions to various networks, groups, or communities and thinking of solutions for their challenges in their business due to COVID-19.
HA: What is the current state of Go Beyond by Kristien van Elteren? Do you have six and 12-month goals for your business?
KE: It’s called Go Beyond Network because I’m taking people on an ongoing business adventure while I’m building my own (new) business (activities), whenever I come across value (in whichever form e.g. content, event, activity, people, or initiatives) and if I think it can profit them I will share it. With this initiative, I want to help business professionals get out of their bubble and meet new communities so they find the right business contacts to get through this challenging period.
HA: What kind of obstacles do you face in your company? How do you handle them?
KE: Growth in the company always faces new obstacles. First of all, you need to set the mindset that you are able to achieve the obstacle, no matter what. Handle the obstacle as a challenge and surround yourself with the right experienced people to tackle the obstacle.
HA: What has been your most successful moment so far? And how do you celebrate your wins?
KE: I believe you have to enjoy every day while building towards that particular goal, the successful moment, the moment you achieve it you have already visualized it so many times and enjoyed the time while you were thinking about it. That’s it for me — just a point which I mark off once achieved. The process of building is the part I favor the most.
HA: How have you accomplished what you have? Did you go to business school? Did you wing it? Fake it till you make it? Get really lucky?
KE: I have studied Master Business Innovation with Major Strategic Innovation. I believe in a strict diet of every day a step forward, either small or big it is one working towards your goal. It’s all about setting the right mindset.
“Don’t think in or outside the box, but imagine there is no box at all, that’s where the magic happens.”
HA: Do you have a favorite motivational quote?
KE: “Don’t think in or outside the box, but imagine there is no box at all, that’s where the magic happens.”
HA: What 3 tips would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs? What do you wish you had known before you started?
KE:
1. Find the right mentor
2. Improve your mindset
3. Clarify your vision
HA: How would you describe your working style?
KE: High Performing and foremost enjoying the process.
HA: When you’re not working on Go Beyond by Kristien van Elteren — where can we find you?
KE: On my boat with my family.
HA: How do you find work-life balance while being an entrepreneur?
KE: Do what you like the most and enjoy every day while building your business.
HA: What is your passion?
KE: Building businesses.
HA: What inspires you most about Amsterdam? Do you have any favorite spots to work or hang out at?
KE: Yes, the Amsterdam American Business Club. I’m a board member of this business club and the energy and inspiration are great.
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